That trip to Cleveland hurt more than just a sweep. That’s because it wasn't just a sweep, it was the polar opposite of what was supposed to happen. The Jays were supposed to come out of that series on a four game winning streak not a four game losing streak. Even more frustrating was the complete waste of strong pitching performances. A wasted Ricky Romero start is nothing new, but shoddy defence costing Morrow a couple of runs, and failing to pick up a W when Jesse Litsch gives up just 2 runs over 6 innings is a new type of crud.

I was ready to give up on the team when they suddenly showed some life against the Yankees over the weekend. Let’s face it, they were two cloudy days away from taking two of three and making the middle game somewhat respectable. I know that the Yankees have a lot of money, which means they can sign any free agent, and take chances on trades for guys with albatross style contracts, but how are they using their vast wealth to control the weather and the Jays sunglasses. Thanks to the evil empire, we got to watch two Jays “oufielders” –I used the quotes here since I’m pretty sure Johnny Mac is an infielder- guess at the location of lazy fly balls. I’m pretty ecstatic about the fact that JerkRod was the beneficiary of three free RBI’s generated a sun aided double. It couldn’t happen to a more deserving guy.

11 is a pretty high number:It’s understandable watching the Jays’ scuffling bats to be a bit surprised that it’s possible to score eleven runs in an inning, but it really should have been less. The aforementioned three runs scored on Alex Rodriguez’ pop up should have been the third out of the inning, but he never should have been up in that situation.

With two down, four runs already in and Robinson Cano standing on first, Curtis Granderson hit a slow bounding ball to Aaron Hill. Hill picks up the ball despite the screening efforts of Cano, and throws to first. Granderson was called safe. At this point I’m throwing my TV out the window. I’m fuming for a multitude of reasons.i.) Cano was so close to Hill on that play that Aaron was describing the mesmerizing scent of the Yankee second baseman’s cologne. Is that why Hill didn't just tag Cano on that play? Or throw to second for the force.ii.) I’m pretty sure the ball actually beat Granderson, to first base which according to the rules of baseball constitutes an out, not a hit.iii.) Even if Granderson did beat the ball to first…the Jays had just been pasted for four runs, and that was a very standard ground ball. This is the kind of call that umpires usually give to the defence just because it’s the natural order of the game. Like the phantom base touch at second during the turning of double play, or when runners are called out even though the tag was missed because the ball beat them by a mile.

The inning should have ended with the score Yankees 4, Jays 2.

I don’t need to pile on Aaron Hill for that fact that he strikes about as much fear in the hearts of opposing pitchers as “Weird” Al Yankovic telling Grammy Award hopefuls that he’s planning on writing an album based on his own tunes. But it’s not like his defensive play has been setting the league on fire either. I’m just looking forward to the tense battle between Hill and Lind for 2011 comeback player of the year honours.

Speaking of Defence:Did you see Dewayne Wise’s throws today? What, did Morrow have a perfect game going? Wait, why would an outfielder make a throw during a perfect game?...never mind.

Allstars!Congratulations to Vernon Wells, John Buck and Jose Bautista for being voted onto the AL allstar team by their peers. Although isn’t it ironic that the Jays’ pop gun offence will be represented by not one but three players, when it’s the starting pitching that has been holding this team together for the entire season? Yes I realize that each of these players have made significant impacts in the field as well as at the plate.

Marcum soreWhat’s that? Shaun Marcum’s elbow is a bit sore, I can’t believe that! He’s only been pitching deep into every ball game without missing a turn in the rotation. No worries…I’m sure Marcum’s is the only arm that will be tired from pitching too much while helping the Jays to an all-important fourth place finish. When are you going to go with the six man rotation Cito. It’s the only way!